Clean energy bonus scheme sees funding doubled

The Government has more than doubled its funding for a scheme aimed at ensuring communities benefit from renewable energy investment.

It said hundreds of bids have been submitted by the UK’s offshore wind sector for the Clean Industry Bonus scheme which provides financial rewards for prioritising investment in regions that need it most or in cleaner supply chains.

Following higher than expected demand, the Energy Secretary has increased the bonus pot from an initial £200m to £544m.

The Government said it expects that for every £1 spent on the bonus, it could leverage up to £17 of private sector investment.

Claire Mack, Chief Executive at Scottish Renewables, said: “This announcement makes clear that clean energy offers a strong return on investment for the country.”